google earth dmg randomly mounting?

So I've noticed this really strange problem with google earth. I've had it installed and running fine for a number of years on my computer (leopard), but maybe a couple months ago, I noticed a google earth dmg will randomly mount on my desktop, appear for a few seconds and then disappear. This happens like maybe once a week.. I have tried desperately to find the file that is mounting in order to delete but I cannot. I also tried uninstalling google earth and then reinstalling. I'm stuck, any advice??

So I've noticed this really strange problem with google earth. I've had it installed and running fine for a number of years on my computer (leopard), but maybe a couple months ago, I noticed a google earth dmg will randomly mount on my desktop, appear for a few seconds and then disappear. This happens like maybe once a week.. I have tried desperately to find the file that is mounting in order to delete but I cannot. I also tried uninstalling google earth and then reinstalling. I'm stuck, any advice??

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Huh? What do you mean by "I've had it installed and running ..."? Did you ever copy the app from the mounted .dmg file? Understand that the copy of Google Earth within the .dmg disk image file can run while the .dmg is mounted on your Desktop.

I have never seen Google Earth or any other app spontaneously produce a .dmg file that then disappeared just as quickly. My guess is that you never actually installed the app on your hard drive. Rather, it appears that you have been running it from within its distribution .dmg disk image file.

This was really creeping me out. It only happens late at night. I'm on my computer, about to turn in, and suddenly: Mount, finder windows open, files move, dismount! No sign of an original .dmg file anywhere! Didn't even have Music Manager running.

Staff Member

Google does have a "no update" version but it's comparatively hard to find on the site. Apparently putting an option in the app itself is too difficult...

Mind you, Apple now (since OS 10.6, I think) also downloads updates in the background without notifying you. I had one download while tethering on a 500 MB plan, which was a bit of a shock! Fortunately you can change this option once you're aware of it (Sys Prefs > Software Update > Download updates automatically).

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